Part 32 (1/2)
”Come in.”
Vincent entered the room carrying a tray bearing a steaming pot of coffee. Adrian much preferred coffee to tea in the morning. Or afternoon, as it were. Vincent set down the tray and closed the door behind him. ”Good day, my lord.”
Adrian grinned. ”And an excellent day it is, too, Vincent.”
”Then I gather all went well last night, sir?” Vincent poured a cup and handed it to him.
”Better than I had hoped for.” Adrian took a sip. Excellent. It always was but today it tasted even better than usual.
”And Lady Waterston is none the worse for her ordeal?”
Adrian shook his head. ”That was an error, Vincent.”
Vincent's brow twitched. ”In judgment, sir?”
”No,” he said sharply. ”In communication.”
”I see.” The valet moved to the wardrobe and opened its doors.
Adrian narrowed his eyes. ”What, exactly, do you see?”
Vincent selected Adrian's clothes for the day. ”You would never do anything to place Lady Waterston in danger.”
”Never,” Adrian said indignantly.
”Of course not.” Vincent laid Adrian's clothes out on the bed. ”One more thing, sir.” He stepped to the tray, picked up an envelope Adrian hadn't noticed, and handed it to him. ”A message arrived for you a few minutes ago from Sir Maxwell, I believe.”
Adrian accepted the envelope. ”And was there a message last night as well?”
Vincent nodded. ”It was on the table near the front entry. It arrived after you had left, but its arrival was not brought to my attention. I was not aware of it until moments before you and Lady Waterston returned to the house. At that point, it seemed moot.”
”You read it then?”
”It has long been part of my job to relay Sir Maxwell's missives when you are not present.” Vincent cast him a vaguely disapproving look. ”Unless you prefer that I no longer do so.”
”No, of course not. We have always worked well together.”
”I took the liberty of placing it in your desk drawer.”
Adrian breathed a sigh of relief. ”Thank you.”
”Will there be anything else, sir?” Vincent's noncommittal expression was that of a perfectly trained valet. Adrian knew better.
He rolled his gaze toward the ceiling. ”Out with it. What are you thinking?”
”May I-”
”Yes, yes, speak freely.”
”If I recall correctly, sir, while Lady Waterston's activities with the department were not as extensive as yours, or mine either as your second, she did receive training in the handling of firearms.”
”And?”
”And she was quite proficient if I remember correctly.” No more than the hint of a smile touched Vincent's lips. ”Something of a natural gift, I believe.”
”And?” Impatience sounded in Adrian's voice.
”And should she find out the truth about last night and everything else from any source other than you, I would not put it past her to shoot you.” Vincent's eyes narrowed no more than a fraction. ”And she is an excellent shot.”
”I intend to tell her everything,” Adrian said staunchly. ”Not today perhaps but soon.”
”Of course, sir.”
”I will.”
”I don't doubt it, sir.” He paused. ”Will there be anything else?”
”No, you may take your leave.” Adrian drew a deep breath. ”Vincent?”
”Yes, my lord?”
”I know you thought our days of intrigue were over, but they may not be. Oh, nothing like before. I would be more of an advisor than anything else and only on rare occasions. Still, I would require your a.s.sistance as always.” He studied the valet. ”Would you be amenable to a bit of a change?”
”My allegiance is to you, my lord, and without question I would do my job as you see fit.” He paused. ”Might I add you are not the only one who has experienced a bit of restlessness of late. However ...”
Adrian raised a brow. ”However?”
”It is one thing to engage in secretive activities when one is free to do as one wishes. Quite another when one has a wife.”
”I said I will tell her.”
”Yes, of course, sir.” Vincent nodded but Adrian knew the valet didn't believe him for a moment. Nonetheless, Adrian fully intended to tell his wife everything. When the right moment presented itself. ”Then if there's nothing else, sir?”
”No, thank you, Vincent.”
Vincent nodded and took his leave. Obviously only action would prove to the valet Adrian's good intentions. His attention turned to the note from Max. No doubt his friend wanted to apologize for last night's debacle in hopes Adrian would agree to consult with the department. Obviously, as proven by recent incidents, the department needed him. Adrian chuckled. Although Max would be more inclined to twist the situation and imply Adrian needed the department.
He opened the envelope and read the brief, curt message. His jaw clenched.
”b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l.”
Chapter 22.
It was amazing how a little danger and rescue by one's very courageous husband could prove most intoxicating to one's spirits. Evelyn couldn't remember when she had been quite so euphoric. Why, she felt like she was in the first throes of love. She wasn't, of course, although apparently love reaffirmed was every bit as exciting as love newly discovered.
Adrian had been called away to a meeting but had kissed her quite soundly before he left with a promise to continue today what they had so thoroughly enjoyed last night. And again this morning. There was a great deal to be said about finding one's soul mate, and they were indeed made for one another. Evelyn smiled in a manner that an observer could only describe as satisfied. Body as well as soul.